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Merlin Entertainments Invests More Than $20 Million in LEGOLAND posted on Wednesday, 07 November 2007

LEGOLAND is a North County amusement gem attracting visitors worldwide, so why is Merlin Entertainment investing another $20 million into the park and what new attractions can we lookout for?

by Julie Estrada

Merlin Entertainment's CEO Nick Varney

Merlin Entertainments, the second largest attraction operator in the world, announced today plans to expand in North America once again. Making the largest investment in the history of LEGOLAND California, Merlin is investing more than 20 million dollars into a brand new adventure area at the family theme park and a 36,000 square foot SEA LIFE aquarium as a separate entrance.

At today’s press conference, Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, revealed an incredible 17-foot-long mural displaying just some of the amazing creatures who will live inside the two-story SEA LIFE aquarium. Located adjacent to LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE is the twenty-ninth to open in the world and is the first ever to open in North America. More than a standard aquarium, SEA LIFE provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other. Featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, SEA LIFE is designed to be a child’s guide to the life of the sea and opens its doors as a separate admission summer 2008.

John Jakobsen, president and general manager of LEGOLAND California proudly announced today not only his excitement for SEA LIFE, but for what lies ahead for LEGOLAND. “What LEGOLAND California has brought to theme parks in the United States, SEA LIFE LEGOLAND California Resort will bring to aquariums in that it is 100 percent aimed at inspiring and captivating children on a level that can’t be found anywhere else,” says Jakobsen. “Not only are we offering this experience to guests next year, but we are also opening our eighth new area, Land of Adventure, that will bring the first-ever dark ride to LEGOLAND California – Lost Kingdom Adventure.”

Lost Kingdom Adventure is just one of four attractions to be unearthed in Land of Adventure designed to bring out the explorer in every member of the family when it opens March 2008.

Cargo Ace helps imaginations soar as children become airplane pilots, Beetle Bounce boosts children to new heights while at Pharaoh’s Revenge they can fire thousands of foam balls at each other. Finally, Lost Kingdom Adventure challenges families to embark on a journey within ancient temple ruins blasting targets with laser guns along the way.

SEA LIFE Center in Europe

Fifteen new attractions have been added to LEGOLAND California in the last three and a half years including the biggest Miniland expansion in the Park’s eight-year history, Miniland Las Vegas and the popular pirate-themed water area, Pirate Shores. Voted Best Children’s Theme Park for the fourth year in a row by Amusement Today, LEGOLAND is continuing to position itself as the preferred attraction choice for families with children ages two to twelve.

“LEGOLAND California is a European concept which has proven to be a great success in North America. The addition of another European favorite, SEA LIFE, is therefore the natural next step in the development of our planned LEGOLAND California Resort,” says Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments Group. “They both offer high quality, fun learning for the entire family, and exciting opportunities to find out more about the world around us.”

Posted by John Lincoln